A "To-Do" List of Events Along The Coast This Week
Jessica Taylor • January 27, 2025
Time to warm up and explore
The Gulf Coast is buzzing with activity this week, offering a wide variety of events for locals and visitors alike. From literary gatherings to culinary classes, live music, and networking opportunities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re diving into a book discussion at Luna’s, sampling cuisine for a cause at Lulu’s, or learning the art of sandcastle building on the beach, the area is alive with chances to connect, learn, and celebrate community. With options spanning creative pursuits, professional development, and family-friendly entertainment, the week ahead showcases the vibrant culture and camaraderie of our coastal towns.
Monday, January 27th - Dating back to the 17th century, book clubs have been gathering spaces for women to discuss literature, initially starting on ships to pass time during travel. These clubs became vital for sharing knowledge and navigating societal expectations in an era of limited education. Over the years, they evolved into communities that promote critical thinking and serve as a catalyst for blending entertainment with learning. Today, book clubs continue to foster connections, enhance vocabulary, and reduce stress through social interaction.If you’re looking for a local club, check out the Orange Beach Library’s “Books and Brews.” The first book for the 2025 season is “The Wedding People” by Alison Espach, a Goodreads Choice Award winner. The group meets on the last Monday of the month at Luna’s Eat and Drink at 5:30 PM. Join to discuss or enjoy food and drink in a relaxed atmosphere. Be sure to check the OBL OBA calendar for updates. Enjoy.
Luna’s Eat and Drink
25689 Canal Rd
Orange Beach, AL 36561
Tuesday January, 28th - The mistreatment of children is an uncomfortable reality, with vulnerable lives often placed in unsafe hands. Organizations like the Child Advocacy Center of Mobile, Alabama, work to provide support and solutions for these children and their families. Most nonprofits rely on community support through fundraising and donations. Lulu’s in Gulf Shores is hosting “Cuisine for Kids,” where 10% of all food and beverage sales will benefit the Child Advocacy Center. Owned by Lucy Buffett, sister of the late Jimmy Buffett, Lulu's continues to support Mobile, with events like this honoring their shared childhood and a legacy still very much alive. Stop by for lunch, dinner or just drinks, and be a part of making a positive impact on little lives that matter big.
Lulu’s Homeport
200 E 25th Ave
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Wednesday, January 29th - Last Wednesday the Gulf Coast woke up to what for most seemed like a dream. The day before Tuesday, January 21st, snow flurries began to fall all along the beaches and beyond, masking the island in a blanket of white snow. Records were smashed, and core memories were made, making it a generational historical event whose stories will be told for years to come. This Wednesday is back to normal or is it? Call your friends, grab your family and get on down to Tacky Jack’s open mic to reminisce, swapping stories with neighbors and expression through song. Get your winter playlist together no more being “stuck in colder weather” as Zack Brown belts it, the snow may be gone, but the experiences are still fresh so why not share them. Tacky Jacks opens at 11 daily, open mic begins at 6PM and ends at 9PM. Bring your appetite to dine or app and be sure to ask about their drink specials.
Tacky Jack’s
240 E 24th Ave
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Thursday, January 30th - It won't be long before the beaches and streets are flooded with visitors ready to dine, shop, explore and more. Coastal towns are more than a season of tourists they thrive through building and depending on locally sourced businesses and friendships gained through networking. This month's “Networking Luncheon” event for Chamber members and prospective members in the Perdido Key Area will be held at CoastAL in Orange Beach. This is a great opportunity to connect with local business professionals and explore those potential collaborations. Remember to bring business cards to introduce yourself and share a brief overview of your business. Each month, one attendee will be chosen to showcase their business at the next event. Attendance is complimentary, but participants must cover their meal costs. Registration is mandatory, so please use the RSVP button to secure your spot. Arriving without prior registration may result in a lack of seating. Don’t miss this chance to expand your network and grow your business with the Gulf as the background and two menus to choose from for delicious meals.
CoastAL Orange Beach
Perdido Key Chamber
25722 Perdido Beach Blvd
Orange Beach, AL 36561
Perdido Key Chamber - Purely Perdido
Friday, January 31st - Crawfish étouffée, first served at the Herbert Hotel in 1920, has become one of Louisiana's most popular and cherished dishes, often prepared at home. The French word "étouffée" translates to "smothered" or "suffocated." If you’ve ever tasted it, you know that the slightly sweeter, lighter roux used in étouffée is best enjoyed in generous amounts. This dish consists of crawfish and a roux infused with bell peppers, onions, and celery. While it may seem straightforward, achieving the desired rich flavor and consistency requires careful preparation. Join culinary expert Chef Chad at Rouses in Orange Beach for a special “Snowbird Cooking Class” featuring this delicious dish. The class begins at 10 AM and lasts for two hours, during which Chef Chad will guide each participant through the intricate preparation of this Louisiana classic, Crawfish Étouffée now enjoyed across the map. You'll leave not only with a satisfying portion of étouffée but also with the skills necessary to share it with others time and time again.
Rouses Market
25405 Perdido Beach Blvd
Orange Beach, AL 36561
Saturday, February 1st - Universities can be expensive, but imagine a place where you graduate with valuable skills on the same day you start. At Sandcastle University, students learn hands-on to create intricate sand designs for a fair fee. Even better, they’re now offering a FREE hour-long beginner class for seniors 50+ where participants can work together on their sand masterpiece. The event is first come, first served, with all equipment provided. Meet at the sandy shores west of Pink Pony Pub and south of Town Lawn at noon. Arrive early for this first come, first served 40 participant event and for instructions and partners. Don’t forget to ask the instructors about their beach snow sculptures created during last week's historical Gulf Coast snowstorm.
Sand Castle University 50 + FREE class
Gulf Shores Public Beach
101 Gulf Shores Pkwy
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Sunday, February 2nd - The Expect Excellence Theater is proud to showcase “Shrek the Musical” set in the enchanting land of mythical Duloc where characters come alive on stage at the Orange Beach Performing Arts Center. Performances begin at 7PM Thursday and Friday with charming matinée performances at 2PM on the final two days. The wonderful story celebrates the beauty in differences and the individuality of each person. Jacob Morris Director expresses one of the most touching aspects of the narrative is how it demonstrates that everyone possesses their own special traits, and its those varied attributes that unite people together. This engaging narrative underscores the importance of our differences and the uniqueness of each person. It’s a show full of comedy, song and dance with a heartfelt message that celebrates diversity and friendship, in a community wide event highlighting the arts with this touching story. Tickets are on sale now for $15 general admission seating.
Orange Beach Performing Art Center
23908 Canal Rd
Orange Beach, AL
Shrek The Musical Set For Orange Beach Performing Arts Center
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